Missing World Cup fan found safe in Barcelona after 10 days

A Leeds United fan who had been missing for 10 days while traveling to the World Cup has been found safe and well in Barcelona, his brother has confirmed.

Michael Hewitt, known as Little Mick, had not been in contact with friends or family since June 21, when he was visiting Barcelona before he planned to fly to Boston to watch England play Ghana. The 65-year-old had lost his phone and was unable to access his flight tickets to the United States.

His brother Gary announced the news on social media, saying "Fantastic news Little Mick is safe and well in Barcelona and was blissfully unaware that the world was searching for him."

The family expressed their relief at the outcome, stating "As a family we desperately wanted an embarrassingly simple but happy ending to this horrendous episode and we now have that."

The search for Michael, a retired trade union official who has supported Leeds United since the 1960s, proved extensive. During the 10-day period, the Hewitts contacted Spanish police and Interpol to help locate him. Authorities ascertained that Michael's passport had never been scanned at United States entry points. West Yorkshire Police also accessed his flat in Adel, west Leeds, and confirmed he had not returned home.

The last confirmed sighting of Michael was in a bar in Barcelona, where the owner confirmed he had appeared fit and well. Michael had also posted photos on Facebook from the city before contact was lost.

Gary expressed gratitude for the widespread support during the search, noting it remained unclear exactly how his brother had spent his time in Barcelona. He thanked football fans for sharing appeals to find him, adding "It's amazing what can be achieved when the good people of the world Go Marching On Together."